Business Communication Tools - Organisation Charts


Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3 Lesson 4 Lesson 5 Lesson 6

Lesson Objectives


  • Understand the purpose of an organisation chart
  • Know how to use ICT to create an organisation chart
  • Appreciate how different types of organisation structure affect communication within a business

Starter (5 minutes)

Using Google Images find an example of a hierarchical organisation chart

Key Terms (10 minutes)

Hierarchy - the layers of responsibility and seniority in an organisation
Centralised structure - where decisions are made by head office
Decentralised structure - where decisions are shared throughout different departments
Hierarchical structure - has many layers and is usually displayed in the form of a pyramid
Chain of command - the lines of authority and responsibility in an organisation which show who is responsible for what and to whom
Flat structure - a structure where employees have a greater degree of equal value and authority
Matrix structure - where there are many different levels of responsibility

Activity (5 Minutes)

Look at the organisation charts below - they are both examples of organisation charts for a small business - see who each person reports to. The chain of command is clear

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Both of these organisations are flat organisations where the lines of communication are short and they can easily adapt to change.

Look at the organisation below
org.jpg

This is a TALL organisation chart with many layers and despite only having 10 staff there is a long route of communication to get to the top and change is a very slow progress.

Task (35 minutes)

The school has a heirachical structure
This means that each layer has a clearly defined role and that career progression is clear within departments and the organisation.
Communication takes place up and down the hierarchy
Draw an organisation chart for the school - by hand or online (try chart genie - you can get a free 7 day trial and you DON'T need to confirm an email!)

Plenary (5 minutes)

Discuss the different types of organisation with a friend - which do you think works best?